Wall mounted expansible table

ABSTRACT

An expansible table supported from a vertical surface and movable between a collapsed position adjacent said surface to an expanded generally horizontal position. The table comprises a plurality of pivotally connected table sections and a cleat member pivotally connected to one of such sections. The cleat member can be pivoted to a position extending under all of the table sections when the latter are unfolded, with support legs being pivotally mounted on the cleat member for supporting the table when fully expanded.

United States Patent Davis 1 Mar. 11., W72

[54] WALL MOUNTED EXPANSIBLE TABLE [72] Inventor: Donald A. Davis, 50Johnson Road,

Winchester, Mass. 01890 [22] Filed: Dec. 23, 1970 [21] App1.No.: 101,059

[52] U.S.Cl. ..l08/33, 108/63, 108/65, 108/73 [51] Int. Cl ..B65d 3/00[58] Field of Search ..108/33, 36, 63, 65, 73, 42, 108/13; 312/277 [56]References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 527,077 10/1894 Rollings ..108/33X 830,187 9/1906 Spencer... 108/33 1,167,905 1/1916 Reczkowski.....l08/63 2,535,646 12/1950 Medwin ..l08/63 2,580,615 l/l952 Terrell..l08/334 X 2,672,384 3/ l 954 Richards ..108/93 3,080,832 3/1963Schroemges 108/13 3,133,510 5/1964 Maraventano 108/33 PrimaryExaminer-James T. McCall Assistant Examiner-Glenn O. FinchAttorney-Oberlin, Maky, Donnelly & lRenner [57] ABSTRACT An expansibletable supported from a vertical surface and movable between a collapsedposition adjacent said surface to an expanded generally horizontalposition. The table comprises a plurality of pivotally connected tablesections and a cleat member pivotally connected to one of such sections.The cleat member can be pivoted to a position extending under all of thetable sections when the latter are unfolded, with support legs beingpivotally mounted on the cleat member for supporting the table whenfully expanded.

7 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Patented Maire], 14, 1972 3,648,628

' 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.2

BY U

' ATTORNEYS Patented Mm h 14, 1972 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 llx m Om WALLMOUNTED EXPANSIBLE TABLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The presentinvention relates as indicated to an expansible table and moreparticularly to a table which can be mounted on a vertical supportsurface for movement between a collapsed position in which it occupiesvery little storage space and an expanded position providing asubstantial table top surface. The term vertical support surface as usedherein may include a wall, as shown in the application drawings, or acomparable fixed vertical surface such as provided, for example, by oneside of a desk, a cabinet, or the like.

Tables which extend and fold away are of course desirable from thestandpoint of saving much needed space, and tables of this type havetaken on many forms in the past. By way of example but not limitation,reference is directed to U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,532,996; 2,672,384 and3,072,453, all of which show tables which can be folded away and storedin an article of furniture, such as a cabinet or the like, or suspendedvertically against the supporting surface, an arrangement shown in thementioned U.S. Pat. No. 1,532,996.

Prior art tables of this type have not been wholly satisfactory for anumber of reasons. Frequently, the mechanism employed either for foldingthe table or for supporting the same when expanded, or both, isrelatively complex and thus costly. A further problem presented in priorart arrangements is the provision of sufficiently strong support meanswhen the table is expanded without greatly sacrificing much needed spacewhen the table is folded or collapsed. Leg support is of course a commonmethod of supporting the table when open, but with a multisection tablethe space required for leg storage presents a problem. As a result, thetable when expanded is frequently supported only at its hinged and outerends, thereby leaving the midportion without firm support. Where thetable sections are numerous and/or the table is used to supportrelatively heavy objects when open, the lack of firm support may presentlimitations on the use of the table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION With the above in mind, the primary object ofthe present invention is to provide an expansible table which can bemounted on a vertical support surface for movement between a collapsed,stored position and an extended, open position. The unfolding of thetable can be effected simply and quickly, and without the need for toolsor other equipment. Although the table of the present invention can beused in essentially any environment where space is of considerableimportance, the table can be used to particular advantage inenvironments such as scientific laboratories and the like. Withconstruction costs ever increasing, laboratory space is becomingcorrespondingly more expensive and tables constructed in accordance withthe present invention permits maximum utilization of the space when thetable are collapsed. Where class discussions or critiques are scheduled,at the end of a laboratory session, for example, one or more tables canbe expanded to an open position and the students and instructorpositioned therearound.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an expansibletable the design of which permits the table to require a minimum ofspace when collapsed but which at the same time provides firm supportfor the table when expanded to an open position.

A more specific object of the invention is to provide an expansibletable in which the supporting legs when folded and stored require aminimum of space but which can be pivoted to a position generallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the table when expanded, therebygiving the table firm support in the intermediate portion thereof aswell as at its hinged and open ends.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a tablewhich is inexpensive to manufacture but pleasing in appearance, andwhich can be provided with a top surface adaptable to the conditions ofuse. In scientific laboratories,

for example, the table sections can be provided with a chemicallyresistant top surface.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent as thefollowing description proceeds, in particular reference to theapplication drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 comprises a top plan view of theinvention with the table shown in an open or fully expanded position,with the legs being positioned to provide maximum support;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the table when in its FIG. llexpanded position;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view illustrating the table in a collapsedposition, and further showing in dash lines the manner in which thetable is unfolded to an expanded position;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to the top portion ofFIG. 3, showing an alternative hinging arrangement;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 55 of FIG. I showing thepreferred form of pivotal connection between the table sections, and

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. ll.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings,wherein like parts are indicated by like reference numerals, the tableof the present invention is generally indicated at W and theconstruction thereof is best seen in FIG. 3. The table 10 comprises arigid back plate 12 which is adapted to be mounted on the verticalsupporting surface 14, which in the fon'n shown comprises a wall. Theplate can be attached to the wall in any suitable manner, such as byfasteners, hangers or the like.

Rigidly attached to the top of the back plate 12 is a ledge 16 whichextends perpendicular to the wall 114. The ledge 16 can be permanentlysecured to the back plate 12 in any suitable manner.

The folding sections of the table comprise first, second and third tablesections indicated at 18, 20 and 22, respectively. The first tablesection 18 is pivotally connected by means of pin 24 to the outer end ofthe ledge 16. Similarly, the intermediate table section 20 is pivotallyconnected by pin 26 to the adjacent end of the table section I8, and thethird section 22 is pivotally connected by pin 28 to the adjacent end ofthe intermediate section 20. In the form shown, the free end of thethird table section 22 has mounted thereon a front ledge member 30 whichextends downwardly when the table is fully open, as shown in FIG. 2.Fastener members 32 or the like, preferably hidden rigidly mount theledge 30 to the table section 22.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated therein the preferred form ofpivotal connection between the several table sections, with FIG. 5illustrating the pivotal connection between the intermediate tablesection 20 and the third table section 22. It will be understood,however, that the pivotal connection shown in FIG. 5 is exemplary of thepivotal connections between the other table sections.

The pin 28 includes a base portion 34 which is slidable within acylindrical sleeve 36 mounted in an opening 38 therefor in the tablesection 22. A coil spring 40 biases the pin 28 outwardly, as shown inFIG. 5.

A pin receiving sleeve 42 is mounted in an opening 44 provided thereforin the intermediate table section 20, with the table sections 20 and 22when thus assembled permitting pivotal movement of the third tablesection 22 about the intermediate table section 20 about thelongitudinal axis of the pin 28.

A cleat member 50 is pivotally connected to the third table section 22by a pivot pin 52. The cleat member 50 can be rotated from its storedposition as shown in FIG. 3, in which the cleat member 50 is orientedgenerally parallel to the pivot pins 28 and wholly within the confinesof the third table section 22, to a position shown in FIG. ll, in whichthe cleat member 50, shown in dash lines in this figure, extendsgenerally perpendicular to the pins 28 and generally parallel to thelength of the expanded table. It will be noted that when the cleatmember is in its dash line, FIG. 1 position, the member extends beneathboth the intermediate table section and the adjacent end of the firsttable section 18.

A pair of brackets 54 and 56 are fixedly mounted on the underside of thecleat member 50 on either side of a longitudinal plane through the pin52 of the cleat member. Legs 58 and 60, respectively, are pivotallymounted by pins commonly designated at 62 to the brackets 54 and 56 forfolding movement between their stored position, as shown in FIG. 3, andtheir open, support position as shown in FIG. 2. The direction offolding of the legs 58 and 60 is shown in dash lines in FIG. 2.

The bottom of each leg 58 and 60 is preferably provided with anadjusting foot commonly designated at 64 for the purpose of achieving aperpendicular relationship between the table when expanded as shown inFIG. 2 and the vertical supporting surface 14.

As shown in the application drawings, the table sections, the top ledge16, and the back plate 12 are constructed of wood, and where the tableis likely to beexposed to materials harmful thereto, the table sectionscan be provided with a plastic laminate top surface, as commonly shownat 70. It will be understood that any suitable, commercially availableplastic or other type protective material can be employed, and that thewood can likewise be selected from commercially available types.

Referring to FIG. 6, each table section, with table section 22 beingshown in this figure, is formed with a peripheral dressed edge 72 whichmay be rabbited to the adjacent phase of the table section, as shown inthis figure. Normally plywood material, due to its availability andcost, is employed for the main body portion of the table sections, andwhen such plywood is covered by the plastic laminate 70 and edged by thedressing member 72, a highly attractive top table surface is provided.

It will further be noted that the table sections at their adjoining endsare offset to accommodate the pivotal connections therebetween. In thismanner, the third table section 22 can be pivotally mounted about theintermediate section 20, and the latter about the first table section 18without interference. In lieu of the pivotal connection shown in FIG. 5,the adjoining edges of the several table sections may be formed planar,and the edges connected by continuous hinges of the type shown at 74 inFIG. 4.

To briefly redescribe the mounting and use of the table constructed inaccordance with the present invention, the table can be mounted on anysuitable vertical support surface in the manner shown in FIG. 3. Thetable can conveniently be preassembled and shipped in the collapsedposition shown in this figure. To mount the table on the verticalsupport surface, the back plate 12 need only be fastened to or hung fromthe support surface 14. In such collapsed position, the table takes up aminimum of space.

To move the table to an open position, the first table section 18 isgrasped and moved upwardly into its dash line, FIG. 3 position. Theintermediate section 20 and the third table section 22 can then bepivoted to a generally horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 2. Thecleat member 50 is thereafter rotated to its FIG. 1 position wherein itextends lengthwise of the table and beneath all three table sections.The legs 58 and 60 can then be folded downwardly into their FIG. 2position thereby supporting the table in its fully open position.

It will be understood that the dimensions of the table may varyconsiderably depending upon the ultimate use thereof. By way of example,the table illustrated in the drawings is approximately 4-4 A feet longwhen fully open, and is positioned at normal table height above thesupporting surface, slightly less than inches. The width of the tableshown is approximately'20-24 inches. It will thus be seen that the tablewhen open provides an extensive working surface which is firmlysupported throughout its length and thus capable of sustaining fairlyheavy loading.

To fold or collapse the table, the reverse procedure is followed. Thelegs 58 and 60 are folded to a closed position against cleat member 50,and the latter is then rotated degrees from its dash line position inFIG. 1 to a position wholly within the dimensions of the third tablesection 22, thereby permitting pivotal movement of this section aboutthe intennediate section 20. When fully collapsed, the table reassumesits FIG. 3 position.

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides a table whichis simple in construction and economical to manufacture. The table canbe folded and unfolded in a minimum amount of time, and the mounting ofthe leg members on the pivoted cleat provides firm support for the tablewhen expanded while at the same time permitting folding of the table toa collapsed position taking up very little space.

Iclaim:

1. An expansible table adapted to be supported from a vertical supportsurface and movable between a collapsed position contiguous said surfaceand an expanded position extending generally normal to said verticalsupport surface, comprising:

a. a support member fixed to and extending laterally from said verticalsupport surface,

b. a first table section pivotally connected to said lateral supportmember and hanging vertically downwardly when said table is collapsed,

c. a second table section pivotally connected to the other end of saidfirst section and extending generally normal to said first section andsaid support surface when said table is collapsed,

d. a third table section pivotally connected to the opposite end of saidsecond section and disposed contiguous said support surface when saidtable is collapsed,

e. a cleat member contiguous and pivotally connected to said third tablesection on the side thereof remote from said support surface, said cleatmember being disposed wholly within the confines of said third tablesection when said table is collapsed and being adapted to be pivoted toa position extending under said first and second table sections whensaid table is moved to an open position wherein said table sections arein a plane generally normal to said support surface, and

f. a pair of leg members pivotally mounted on said cleat member andmovable between a closed position contiguous and within the confines ofsaid cleat member when said table is collapsed to an open, supportposition when said cleat has been pivoted to a position transverse tosaid table sections for supporting the same in planar relation.

2. The table of claim 1 wherein said first and third table sections aresubstantially equal in length and said second section is generally equalin length to said fixed support member thereby to provide a compacttable when collapsed.

3. The table of claim 2 further including a front ledge portion fixed tothe free end of said third table section and providing a front ledgeportion extending downwardly from said third table section when saidtable is in an expanded position.

4. The table of claim 1 wherein each of said legs is pivotally mountedon said cleat member by means of a bracket mounted relatively adjacentthe opposed ends of said cleat member, said brackets being mounted onopposed sides of the longitudinal center line of said cleat memberthereby to permit folding of said legs to a collapsed positioncontiguous said cleat member and wholly within the confines thereof.

5. The table of claim 4 wherein said cleat member is substantially aslong as the width of said third table section, the pivot point for saidcleat member being generally intermediate the width of said third tablesection and spaced from the inner edge of said third table section adistance approximately equal to the width of said cleat member, wherebyone end'of said cleat member and the leg carried thereby extends undersaid first table section for directly supporting the same when said legis moved to an open, support position.

7. The table of claim 1 wherein said pivotal connections between theseveral table sections and between the first table section and saidfixed support member comprises a continuous hinge mounted on theadjacent ends of said sections.

1. An expansible table adapted to be supported from a vertical supportsurface and movable between a collapsed position contiguous said surfaceand an expanded position extending generally normal to said verticalsupport surface, comprising: a. a support member fixed to and extendinglaterally from said vertical support surface, b. a first table sectionpivotally connected to said lateral support member and hangingvertically downwardly when said table is collapsed, c. a second tablesection pivotally connected to the other end of said first section andextending generally normal to said first section and said supportsurface when said table is collapsed, d. a third table section pivotallyconnected to the opposite end of said second section and disposedcontiguous said support surface when said table is collapsed, e. a cleatmember contiguous and pivotally connected to said third table section onthe side thereof remote from said support surface, said cleat memberbeing disposed wholly within the confines of said third table sectionwhen said table is collapsed and being adapted to be pivoted to aposition extending under said first and second table sections when saidtable is moved to an open position wherein said table sections are in aplane generally normal to said support surface, and f. a pair of legmembers pivotally mounted on said cleat member and movable between aclosed position contiguous and within the confines of said cleat memberwhen said table is collapsed to an open, support position when saidcleat has been pivoted to a position transverse to said table sectionsfor supporting the same in planar relation.
 2. The table of claim 1wherein said first and third table sections are substantially equal inleNgth and said second section is generally equal in length to saidfixed support member thereby to provide a compact table when collapsed.3. The table of claim 2 further including a front ledge portion fixed tothe free end of said third table section and providing a front ledgeportion extending downwardly from said third table section when saidtable is in an expanded position.
 4. The table of claim 1 wherein eachof said legs is pivotally mounted on said cleat member by means of abracket mounted relatively adjacent the opposed ends of said cleatmember, said brackets being mounted on opposed sides of the longitudinalcenter line of said cleat member thereby to permit folding of said legsto a collapsed position contiguous said cleat member and wholly withinthe confines thereof.
 5. The table of claim 4 wherein said cleat memberis substantially as long as the width of said third table section, thepivot point for said cleat member being generally intermediate the widthof said third table section and spaced from the inner edge of said thirdtable section a distance approximately equal to the width of said cleatmember, whereby one end of said cleat member and the leg carried therebyextends under said first table section for directly supporting the samewhen said leg is moved to an open, support position.
 6. The table ofclaim 1 wherein said pivoted connections between the several tablesections and between the first table section and said fixed supportmember comprises a spring mounted detent carried by one of saidpivotally connected members and a cylindrical sleeve carried by theother for receiving said detent.
 7. The table of claim 1 wherein saidpivotal connections between the several table sections and between thefirst table section and said fixed support member comprises a continuoushinge mounted on the adjacent ends of said sections.